Youth Sermon: Courageous King: Jesus' Authority and Our Response

Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, we're gonna talk about something that happened when Jesus entered Jerusalem. It's called Palm Sunday, and it's the start of Holy Week. This is the week when Jesus faced a lot of tough stuff, but he showed us how brave and loving he is. So, let's dive in and see what we can learn from this story.

But first, let's do a quick object lesson. I want you to think about a lemon. What happens when you squeeze a lemon? You get lemon juice, right? Now, think about Jesus. When he faced all the hard stuff during Holy Week, what came out of him? Love, courage, and the power to save us all.

When he faced all the hard stuff during Holy Week, what came out of him? Love, courage, and the power to save us all.

The Story of Palm Sunday

Alright, let's read the story from the Bible. It's in Matthew 21:1-11. (Read the passage)

So, what's going on here? Jesus is riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and people are going wild, waving palm branches and shouting 'Hosanna!' which means 'Save now!' They're treating him like a king, but they don't really get who he is yet.

Lessons from the Story

1. Jesus has all authority: Jesus showed that he has power over everything - nature, sickness, evil spirits, even death. He's not just some prophet or teacher; he's the King of kings and Lord of lords. The question is, does he have authority over your life too? Are you letting him lead you and guide you every day?

2. Jesus is courageous: Jesus knew that riding into Jerusalem would cause a lot of trouble, but he did it anyway. He was brave and focused on doing God's will, no matter what. We can learn from his example and be courageous in our own lives, standing up for what's right and following Jesus even when it's hard.

Application

Now, let's think about how this story can help us in our everyday lives. When we face tough situations or decisions, we can remember Jesus' courage and ask for his help. We can also remember that he has all authority, so we can trust him to guide us and give us the strength we need.

Closing Prayer

Let's finish with a prayer: 'Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us your courage and love during Holy Week. Help us to be brave like you and to trust in your authority in our lives. We love you and want to follow you every day. Amen.'

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem show his courage and authority?

2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to give Jesus authority?

3. How can you be courageous in your faith, even when it's difficult or unpopular?

4. What does it mean to truly trust in Jesus as the Lord of your life?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: King for a Minute
• Group Activity: Donkey Relay Race
• Youth Challenge: Give Jesus Authority Challenge